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Fun Science: Optical IllusionHand Hole
Scientists use optical illusions to study how the brain allows itself to be tricked. Can you be fooled? Try an experiment and see.
You will need
Girl
  • A piece of paper 5 inches (13 centimeters) square
  • Tape

    Here's How
    Roll the paper into a tube about an inch (2.5 centimeters) wide, and secure it with tape. Hold the tube up to one eye. With your palm facing you, place your free hand about an inch from the end of the tube. With both eyes open, focus on an object across the room. It appears that you’re looking at the object through a hole in the middle of your hand!

    Why?
    One eye sees the distant object through the tube. The other eye sees the palm of your hand. Your brain combines the two views to create the optical illusion.

    • Try another illusion trick.

    Text by Julie Vosburgh Agnone
    Art by Gregg Valley

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